Tours and tasting,

Tours of the estate, followed by wine tasting, are held at 11 AM and 2 PM daily. Leisurely wander through the estate, with a guide who will give you a behind-the-scenes look at running a winery. End with a walk through the vinification room and cellars, followed by a tasting--perhaps in the French country kitchen, or in the stylish living room, or courtyard garden. The 30-minute tour is complementary, as is the tasting. You may enjoy "vertical library tasting" of reserve cabernets for $10. Appointments are needed for the tour and tasting (see below).

Wine and Cheese Tasting at noon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Michel-Schlumberger offers a tasting of their current, award-winning releases, paired with local Artisan and Farmstead cheeses from Sonoma County for enjoying the best with the best. This guided tasting is a class in itself, as you learn what types of cheese to choose as you discover your favorite wines. The fee for this unusual experience is $20, and reservations must be made (see below).

Cellar Stash Sale! February 17th only, from 12-4 PM. A rare opportunity to enhance your wine cellar from the stash in the cellar of Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate. They have excess inventory, and Mike Brunson, the winemaker, combed through the "cellar stash" to select wines for this special sale. Purchase some wonderful wines to add to your collection from the unbelievable deals they are offering only on this day, and only from 12-4 PM. First come, first served--when they're gone, they're gone, so get there on time.

Michele-Schlumberger Wine Estate: 4155 Wine Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA.

707-433-7427; www.micheleschlumberger.com.

Absolutely. Healdsburg is home to Bear Republic Brewing Company, the brewery that boasts both the Small Brewing Company and the Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year awards for 2006 from the national Great American Beer Festival competition, held annually in Denver. These awards are considered the highest honor for an American Brewmaster.

Both family and local pride are behind the brewery, founded by fourth generation residents of Sonoma County. In this family-run business, the son brews the beers and ales, selecting only the choicest ingredients for each batch. Years were spent developing the recipes, using specialty grains and hops chosen for their specific characteristics.

But wait! It doesn't stop with the brews. Good portions of delicious pub food are also served. Burgers range from big, juicy dripping ones to healthier vegetarian burgers and sandwiches. Salads--both side and entree--and pastas are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Desserts, and their homemade cream soda and homemade root beer are a bonus, making it clear that drinkers of all ages and beverages are welcome here.

Sunday night is Trivia Night, with "fun, weird questions, and prizes," to accompany your hearty pub fare and beverage of choice.

Bear Republic Brewery: 345 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, CA; 707-433-BEER; www.bearrepublic.com.